Adrian Piccoli signing out after 18 years

Statements from NSW Premiers

2017-09-03T23:23:11Z

STATEMENT FROM PREMIER GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN

Adrian Piccoli has been a Member of Parliament since 1999 and has been a tireless advocate for both the electorate of Murrumbidgee and more recently the electorate of Murray. He served as Deputy Leader of The Nationals from 2008 to 2016.

He is passionate about seeing children get the best possible start to their lives, which led Adrian to take on the education portfolio in 2008 – becoming Minister for Education in 2011.

During his time as Minister, Adrian was the driver in NSW being the first state to agree to the Gonski education reforms. He also introduced the Local Schools, Local Decisions reforms, giving public schools more authority to make local decisions.

Adrian leaves a strong legacy and I wish him and his family all the best for the future.

STATEMENT FROM NSW DEPUTY PREMIER JOHN BARILARO

Deputy Premier and Leader of the NSW Nationals John Barilaro today thanked the Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli for his service to regional NSW after the Nationals MP today announced he would be retiring from State Parliament.

“Adrian Piccoli has been a strong advocate for the people of the electorates of Murrumbidgee and Murray for 18 years and served as Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals for seven years,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Adrian was the first Nationals MP in 35 years to hold the Education portfolio. He was the first Minister in Australia to agree to the Gonski education reforms and brought in record infrastructure spending for schools across NSW.

“While we will miss Adrian's experience, it's important to remember that this opportunity presents us with a great chance to identify and develop fresh, new talent for the NSW Nationals.

"It's an opportunity for renewal.

"Just last month our grassroots party members pre-selected Steph Cooke to be the Nationals candidate for the seat of Cootamundra. A small business woman with a stellar career and strong community ties.

"I look forward to unearthing a similar talent for the people of Murray.

"I thank Adrian for his extraordinary service and wish him all the best for his future endeavours."